Introduction:

I'll admit to suffering from a case of Zombie Fatigue. The "Zombies Make Everything Awesome" concept was great for a while, but it is starting to grow a bit tiresome. They're everywhere and, based on a couple of high profile releases coming down the pipeline in both film and videogames, it doesn't look like the final headshot will be scored on the concept anytime soon.

I will, however, admit to having a soft spot for Call of Duty's Zombies Mode. Yes, it is still zombies, but the mode's play style has always been a favorite of mine. I love the idea of racing through, progressively unlocking areas and the pressure behind the decision of unlocking a new section of the map or upgrading my weapons.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection is the latest - and one might assume last (though, you know what they say about assumptions...) - map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. Unlike previous packs, which included four multiplayer maps and a Zombie map, Rezurrection gives players five maps: a brand-new, space-themed map called "Moon" and four revamped, "classic" maps from Call of Duty: World at War.

The Maps::

One of the coolest things about the last few Zombies map releases was Treyarch's willingness to play with the formula just a bit. While gameplay hasn't strayed far from the core concept, the new maps allowed for new wrinkles. One included a super-charged George Romero stalking you through the entire map, while another introduced Indiana Jones-styled booby traps. "Moon" continues the trend, this time toying with the level's gravity.

"Moon" takes place in two places: A hanger in Area 51 and, after a quick trip through a teleport pad, a moon base. Once on the moon, you'll first need to run for the nearest spacesuit, allowing you to survive in the low gravity, low oxygen environment. While in the interior locations, "Moon" plays much like other maps. Zombies pour into the area from designated locations and you try to survive each wave. However, everything is turned on its head when you head outside. Actually, you'll want to spend as much time in the map's outer areas as possible. First, they're absolutely cool (I love the muffled sound), but your space suit offers an advantage. Zombies movie a little slower outside and some will even fly away given the right bit of motivation. The advantage isn't as noticeable in lower rounds, but once the groups come, you'll want every advantage possible.

The other maps don't take as much of a leap as "Moon," though the nostalgia trip is a fun one. Each of the four maps offers a different environment as well as some unique environmental challenges to tackle. Of the four, "Shi No Numa" is the more interesting. Rather than toss endless waves of zombies, you'll also have to face down a boss character - the Hellhound - in a special round. There's also a randomly spawning Mystery Box, adding another reason to constantly explore your environment.

"Verruckt" offers a larger area to explore along with a number of traps to help you out, such as the electric trap (which also pops up in the "Kino der Toten" map). The map's size offers more places to run and hide, but also presents more opportunities to get lost in the labyrinthine halls. "Der Riese" introduces a machine that can upgrade your gun as well as teleporters.

Finally, "Nacht der Untoten" boils the entire experience down to its most basic form. Although not as fancy as other maps, it is a great example of a well-designed play mode. You are constantly pushed forward, given lots of options and forced to live with your decisions.

The Extras:

New weapons and zombie types are expected and "Moon" does not disappoint here either. First up are the new guns and power-ups to help you push through to the next wave. One of the two new weapons is the Wave Gun, which causes zombies to inflate and explode from the inside. You can also snap the Wave Gun in half, turning it into a Dual-wielded Zap gun that can stun and kill zombies with electrical shocks. Both are cool and well worth saving your points to acquire.

The second is the QED, or Quantum Entanglement Device. The QED takes up a tactical grenade spot and adds a bit of randomness to games. The QED's effects are different every time you use it. One time it may revive a dead teammate, while another time it might knock all zombies away. It can also spawn new weapons, drop power-ups or even work as a normal explosive.

The two new zombies are, thus far, some of the most dangerous included in a Zombies map. The Phasing Zombie quickly teleports around the level and you never quite know where it will show up. He's fast, and will probably be the one that gets you if you're not careful. The other new type is the Astronaut Zombie. Compared to the Phasing Zombie, or really the stock zombies, this guy is a bit of a joke. He's slow and doesn't do a whole lot of damage. However, he does soak up damage and, when you do manage to kill him, explodes. The explosion does damage and will send you (or anyone in the blast radius) flying.

Just to add a little more confusion, the Astronaut Zombie rocks the name of another player on your team, forcing you to be extra wary. You don't want to play solo, but consider this one bonus to being a sole survivor.

Rezurrection also includes a special "Moon" dashboard theme and soundtrack download.

Value:

Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection is a fantastic bit of DLC. Although it doesn't include any multiplayer maps, the new Zombie maps are a great "gimme" for players who have felt slighted by one receiving one new map in previous DLC packs.

The 1200 MSP price tag is a little high and one of Rezurrection's low points, though if you purchased either the Hardened or Prestige version of Call of Duty: Black Ops, you already have the pack waiting for you in your download queue. If you're not in this number, but love Zombies Mode, Rezurrection is completely worth the price.